UAE National Day is Now Known as Eid Al Etihad
The UAE always takes its UAE National Day very seriously and passionately to commemorate the seven Emirates’ joining in 1971. This year, Eid al Etihad – the Union festival that represents the country’s remarkable journey towards unity and development was renamed Eid Al Etihad.
The decision to change this important day also fits with the UAE’s story, the need to emphasize its founding values and the further development of the idea of creating comfortable conditions for life and recreation for every citizen and guest of the country. Here, we discuss what Eid Al Etihad signifies and why this holiday can be called the most inspiring one.
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The Journey from UAE National Day to Eid Al Etihad
Commemorating the Union
The United Arab Emirates was declared on December 2, 1971. At the end of 1971, seven emirates joined together with one vision to embrace progress and prosperity. This great occasion was, in the beginning, observed as the UAE National Day, devoted to the resulting state.
In 2023, the event was celebrated under the theme of UAE Union Day to emphasize the essence of unity in the Emirates and amongst its people. By 2024, it became the more authentic and inspiring Arabic celebration of Eid Al Etihad.
In Arabic, Eid means a celebration, and Etihad means union, which makes people embrace the day’s meaning because it unites everyone.
A Time to Reflect and Celebrate UAE National Day
The decision to rename this holiday, Eid Al Etihad, may help people think about the incredible achievement in the country. In 53 years, only the country has had a great accomplishment, which has been changing into a world of innovation, cultural interaction and development. Key milestones include:
- Providing Safety and Inclusion: Ensuring a safe and friendly atmosphere for everybody who lives in this country and who will visit it.
- Educational Advancements: Development of Schools, Universities and Research Institutions.
- Technological Innovation: Growing and fostering progressive technologies such as artificial intelligence and space.
- Infrastructure Development: Creating landmarks like the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, road networks, and international airports like Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International.
- Preserving Cultural Heritage: Praise past activities such as camel racing, falconry, and Arabic poetry and create awareness about diversity.
- Global Leadership: Being the host of Expo 2020 and the power behind COP28.
- Environmental Sustainability: Initiating the use of renewable power sources in the process of becoming environmentally sensitive.
- Healthcare Excellence: Enhancing complex healthcare facilities within a growing population base.
They all mirror the UAE’s dedication to unity, development, and vision for a prosperous future.
How Eid Al Etihad or UAE National Day is Celebrated?
Eid Al Etihad festivities are colorful and grand owing to the UAE’s glorious past and accomplishments. Some of the key highlights include:
- Fireworks Displays: Amazing fireworks displays occur at popular locations such as JBR Beach, Al Seef, Hatta, and Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Eid Al Etihad Zones: All seven Emirates have cultural events, entertainment activities, and programs in special zones.
- Global Village Festivities: Global Village has bonfires and cultural performances daily, making the place festive.
- Imagine Light and Laser Show: magical sightseeing of a gigantic chandelier at Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Public Holidays: The weekend is extended to a four-day weekend that engages residents in celebrations.
Related Article: UAE National Day – What You Need to Know
Honoring the UAE’s Heritage
Eid Al Etihad validates the progress of the UAE and honors and pays tribute to its true architectural resilience. It echoes the history of the early Emirati people who sailed across the deserts and seas, looking after their livestock and in search of pearls and business avenues.
This continuity and vision prepared the ground for the desired unity state the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Founding Fathers pioneered. The day also highlights key national values, including:
- Tolerance: The notions of a multicultural society.
- Hospitality: The UAE are known for their hospitality and welcoming attitude.
- Unity: Strength that came with it, meaning that all people of the seven Emirates are one nation.
- Generosity: Opening resources and sharing with people that are not as blessed.
- Resilience: Focus on the topic, hard work and endurance to achieve success.
- Vision: Creating a future full of progress, innovation and inclusion as equals.
- Pride: Celebrating success and legacy that has defined a country.
Celebrate Unity and Progress with the Gear Up Event
To mark the incredible unity of the UAE, we at Gear Up Event look forward to contributing to events that leave teams and corporates in Dubai cheerful. Therefore, our events are carefully planned to foster unity, embrace national values, and foster enduring relationships during this festive year.
Our activities range from thrilling outdoor and culturally themed activities to creative thinking and structured corporate social responsibility activities that reflect the season’s theme. From a heart-stopping, powerful supercar driving experience to a fast-paced business team-building exercise, we have corporate entertaining scenarios that nurture team synergy. Allow Gear Up Event to make this special moment a memorable one, as it provides events that foster team spirit.
Wind-up Guide
Eid Al Etihad is not simply a renamed holiday – It’s an occasion for the country to come together and reflect on the great journey that the UAE has been through and remains determined to continue. Today, one should remember the past, celebrate the present and would eagerly wish for brighter days to follow with each other.
Whether fireworks watching, checking out cultural activities, let us celebrate together and honor Eid Al Etihad pridefully.
